This year's International Vision Celebration at ICRS was spectacular! The event began with worship by Scott Reed and featured preaching by Pastor Remi Morgan, who leads Lagos Province 24 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria. Pastor Morgan, a major distributor and wholesaler of Christian books in Nigeria, spoke about the need to be open to the changes God is making in our industry.

After lunch, the program included a panel discussion on encouraging Christian publishing in emerging markets. Panelists included Barine Kirimi of Evangel Publishers in Kenya, Mark Carpenter of Editora Mundo Cristao in Brazil, and Edwin Anya of Evangel Bookshop in Nigeria. Lifeway author Dennis Pethers also shared his inspiring testimony of coming to Christ through literature.

International attendance at ICRS this year was "up 4%," according to CBA America, with 390 buyers making the trip to St. Louis.

"Activity in Marketsquare was very encouraging," says Jim Powell, ChristianTrade president. "The international sales people I spoke with in the Marketsquare area, and on other parts of the floor, were pleased with their results. The buyers showed up."

Marketsquare at ICRS is where international rights and sales take place. Plan now to join us next year. The dates for ICRS 2011 are 10-13 July in Atlanta, Georgia, United States at the Georgia World Congress Center.